Collection of Alleged Overcharge by Freight Carrier

A carrier requested review of an action taken by the General Services Administration (GSA) regarding the collection of alleged overcharges through deduction from freight charges. The GSA action provided the carrier with recourse to review. The alleged overcharge occurred when GSA determined that materials transported by the carrier where not the same materials noted on the bill of lading. The materials actually transported should have been shipped at a lower rate. The difference was deducted from the freight charges of the later shipment. The carrier questioned the reliability and method employed by GSA in determining what was actually shipped. GAO held that the presumption that a bill of lading correctly describes an article tendered for transportation is not conclusive, and the carrier has the burden of proving correctness of transportation charges initially collected on shipment. Accordingly, the protest was denied.